Yesterday at a hearing at Ipswich Crown Court Anthony Hoare admitted arson being reckless as to whether lives would be endangered and affray.

Armed police went to Hoare’s flat above the Corner Shop in Clapgate Lane, around 50 metres from Ipswich police’s south east safer neighbourhood base, at around 10.50pm on January 13 after reports of items being thrown out of the property.

At an earlier hearing before the town’s magistrates court prosecutor Ian Devine said Hoare had consumed four cans, possibly five, of super-strength lager along with tablets he had been taking for depression.

Thereafter Hoare had little recollection of what followed.

A stand-off began after neighbours were disturbed by various items being smashed and were concerned the shop beneath Hoare’s one-bedroom flat was being burgled.

However, it transpired Hoare was emptying many personal possessions on to the street below from his window.

At one stage he was trying to push a sofa out of the living room and through the window even though it would not fit, magistrates were told.

Although police tried to speak to Hoare he would not engage with them.

Hoare then indicated that he had a young child in the flat, who was being held hostage, before making threats of self-harm and harm to others. It was subsequently discovered there was no young child in the flat.

The court was told police saw flames coming from the flat and fearing for any occupants safety officers got inside and the fire was extinguished. The fire was not a major one, the court was told.

Hoare appeared to be holding a brick in his hand and refused to drop it causing an officer to taser him.

After his arrest Hoare was taken to Ipswich Hospital for treatment for a cut to his right hand and a shoulder injury.

Yesterday at the crown court Judge David Goodin adjourned sentence until March 20 for a psychiatric report to be prepared on Hoare. He warned Hoare that arson was a very serious offence and that he would receive “an appropriately severe sentence”.